Here's Why American Airlines Has Such Long Hold Times, And When It Will Get Better - View from the Wing (2024)

Here’s Why American Airlines Has Such Long Hold Times, And When It Will Get Better

by Gary Leff

If you call a U.S. airline expect to wait on hold. And depending on what’s happening that day, the wait can be hours. When you need help the most, because your flight was cancelled or you’re going to miss a connection, that’s when the hold times are likely to be longest – because everyone else probably needs help at the same time for the same reason.

Things get a little bit better if you have elite status with an airline and your calls get prioritized, but sometimes only a little bit better. At times last year holds for Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Diamond members could stretch over 40 hours. Delta hold times have been generally worse than at other airlines (here’s a workaround that still works).

American Airlines call center representatives have been rebelling against mandatory overtimesince May 2021. And an employee asked outgoing CEO Doug Parker about whether there’s any end in sight at a meeting after the carrier’s earnings call on Thursday, a recording of which was reviewed by View From The Wing.

According to Parker, “call volumes are at unprecedented highs” due to flight cancellations stemming from Omicron “at levels we’ve never seen.” He says that “the number of res agents we have for a normal period of this much travel is more than enough, but we just can’t ever really get fully caught up.”

He continued, “we certainly have looked out a couple of times, looked out into the future, and said we have enough res agents now to deal with where and certainly where we’re expected to be, only to be surprised by a new thing.”

Julie Rath, American’s Vice President, Customer Experience & Reservations at American Airlines, added

  • American Airlines reservations is 20% above 2019 call volumes
  • 450 reservations agents moved over to work in airports
  • They’ve hired 845 new reservations agents this month, but that’s not helpful right away becauese they’ll be in training during the first quarter
  • They’ve opened up Miami as a base for home-based reservations growth (before they pandemic they were looking to eliminate home-based reservations agents altogether)

The good news is that call volumes should subside when Covid abates and travel plans are less up in the air, though some incremental amount of change volume may be the result of the industry-wide elimination of most change fees outside of basic economy fares. When it’s cheaper to make changes you get more changes, and more call volume.

Customers needing to reach American Airlines when wait times are long (and when twitter isn’t responsive, American’s twitter team is more helpful than most for getting things done) should consider dialing the UK or Australia reservations line. These calls centers don’t get busy as a result of bad weather in the U.S. generally.

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Here's Why American Airlines Has Such Long Hold Times, And When It Will Get Better - View from the Wing (2024)

FAQs

Why are the hold times so long for American Airlines? ›

What is the reason for the long wait times and lack of call-backs in American Airlines' customer service? Usually if there is a long wait time it is because of a large amount of flight cancellations due to weather. During these times the customer service lines are overwhelmed trying to rebook passengers.

Why does American Airlines take so long to answer the phone? ›

Long telephone hold times are the new normal when trying to reach an airline. They shed reservations agents during the pandemic. At American Airlines reservations agents were moved to the airport. And today's travelers - predominantly leisure customers - call the airline more than business travelers did.

How long is American Airlines hold? ›

Free holds

In select markets you can hold your trip up to 24 hours for free if you're booking your trip 7 days or more before departure. In select markets look for the “hold” option on the review and pay page when you book an American or codeshare flight on aa.com.

What happened to the hold feature on American Airlines? ›

After a two-week hiatus, American Airlines has brought back its 24-hour hold feature, allowing more flexibility for people booking their next flight. The free option is available for select flights booked through aa.com at least seven days before the departure date, according to the American Airlines website.

Why are airline customer service wait times so long? ›

The issues have to do with staffing, according to many airlines, reservation agents and industry analysts, but exactly who or what is to blame depends on whom you ask. Some airlines, including Southwest, have acknowledged that they've recently let customers down and need to hire more agents.

What does it mean when an American Airlines flight is on hold? ›

Your itinerary may show as on "Hold"; this means you may have not paid for it yet, or it may indicate your action to purchase (award or purchase" hasn't processed yet. Keep an eye and call if it doesn't process to "On Request" or "Pending" fairly quickly.

How do I get American Airlines to answer? ›

Talk to someone on 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬, you have a few options. You can give them a call at their customer service hotline, which is +1-707-833-9027 or or 🚁+1-707-833-9027 (𝓛𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓟𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓸𝓷). Alternatively, you can chat with them live on their website or utilize their email support.

How do I really get through to American Airlines? ›

Dial the Correct Phone Number: Call the American Airlines customer service number(1-888-406-7009/1-800-433-7300). This number can be found on the official American Airlines website or on your booking confirmation. Use the Automated System: When prompted by the automated system, listen carefully to the options.

How to get through to American Airlines fast? ›

Talk on American Customer Service for live support, You can call their American customer service 24/7 Hotline Number USA:-+1-804 AA 251-8886 (Live Person) or 👉+𝟭-𝟖𝟎𝟱-𝟴𝟐𝟑-𝟏𝟒𝟑𝟖 (𝒬𝓊𝒾𝒸𝓀 𝒸ℴ𝓃𝓃ℯ𝒸𝓉), engage in a live chat on their website, or use email support. Speaking to a person at American is simpler than you might think.

How long can a flight be on hold? ›

You can buy and hold for 3, 7 or 14 days. To buy a ticket that you've put on hold, view your flight in My Trips before the hold expires and finish your purchase. If you want to cancel your trip, do it before the FareLock hold expires. You'll get an email reminder 24 hours before your FareLock hold ends.

Can I reserve a flight without paying? ›

When you utilize Book Now, Pay Later flights, you can confirm your travel schedule and reserve a flight without paying. This can be a great option for travelers who need more time to get their travel funds together but don't want to sacrifice the benefits of planning travel in advance.

How long can a flight ticket be on hold? ›

Reserve for 72 hours

Now you can change your mind, without changing your flight price. Choose Hold My Fare* at checkout and reserve your chosen flight fare for 72 hours.

How many does American Airlines Center hold? ›

Housing both the NBA Dallas Mavericks and the NHL Dallas Stars, the American Airlines Center displays its unique versatility with its retractable seating transforming from a 20,000 seat basketball arena into an up-close action-heavy 18,532 seat hockey rink.

Is American Airlines a hold or sell? ›

American Airlines Inc's market capitalization is $9.27 B by 654.76 M shares outstanding. Is American Airlines stock a Buy, Sell or Hold? American Airlines stock has received a consensus rating of hold. The average rating score is and is based on 14 buy ratings, 28 hold ratings, and 6 sell ratings.

What does flight status on hold mean? ›

“On hold” means the airline is holding the reservation for you for whatever reason (Usually waiting payment confirmation, but could also be a change in flights).

How long does American Airlines take to respond? ›

While we typically respond within a few days; customers can expect at least an acknowledgement within 30 days and resolution within 60 days. All customer feedback is personally read and a response is sent to the customer.

How can I get hold of American Airlines? ›

We're dedicated to providing a positive travel experience for all customers. If you have questions or want to make special travel arrangements, you can make them online or call 800-433-7300. For hearing or speech impaired assistance dial 711 to be connected through the National Relay Service.

Can I chat with someone at American Airlines? ›

From booking and seats to boarding passes and airport maps, we're with you every step of the way. Plus, now you can speak directly with a team member or get 24/7 virtual help through our chat tool.

Does American Airlines have 24 hour customer service? ›

Worldwide phone numbers
LanguagePhoneHours (CT)
English800-433-730024 hours
Spanish800-633-371124 hours
French800-756-86137 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Portuguese866-824-87176 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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